DND orders faster granting of awards to heroic soldiers

MANILA, Philippines - Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Thursday ordered the military to fast-track the validation and granting of awards to soldiers especially those who displayed heroism in the battlefield.

Gazmin said the giving of awards to deserving soldiers usually involves a long process and normally happens long after the display of the heroic act.

“I am directing our Chief of Staff, Gen. Manny Bautista, for our armed forces to revise the current policy-procedures and effect the expeditious determination and grant of awards to the members of our armed forces, especially for those whose deeds and achievements are combat-related, or operational in nature,” he said.

“During my time, the process was slow. We need to pay attention to this so we can give the award while the event (where the soldier displayed heroism) is not yet forgotten,” he added.

Gazmin said it is hard to get an award as it involves meticulous processes including the gathering of testimonies and consolidating of information.

“You will really pass through the eye of a needle. There should be testimonies from disinterested personalities, someone will do an after-operation report and this will have to be reconciled,” he said.

Gazmin said the military could still ensure that only the deserving ones get an award even if the process is expedited.

“If someone who is not deserving gets a reward, there will be demoralization (among the ranks),” he said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday honored 148 soldiers and civilians who contributed to the accomplishment of its mission.

Majority of the awardees, 118 of them, were involved in security operations during the Zamboanga crisis last September.

Among the civilian awardees was Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, who supported the soldiers who resisted the members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Misuari faction.

The crisis ensued after about 400 followers of MNLF founder Nur Misuari tried to occupy the city hall and raise their flag.

Also feted was TV5 reporter and Defense Press Corps Vice President for Broadcast Erel Cabatbat for his fair and comprehensive reporting on security issues.

Among the military personnel who received awards, 15 got Distinguished Conduct Star, 40 got Gold Cross medals, eight got aviation cross, six were given Naval Cross, 15 received Bronze Cross Medal and 10 were awarded Military Merit Medals.

President Aquino is expected to fete around 60 more individuals during the celebration of the AFP’s 78th anniversary on Friday in Camp Aguinaldo.

“We must always remember the sacrifices of our soldiers and their patriotic deeds to our country and people. We should continue to honor them and place them in the highest pedestal of respect and admiration,” Gazmin said.